Who should get tetanus and diphtheria shots?
Tetanus toxoid prevents lockjaw, an illness which causes painful muscle spasms and can be fatal. Everyone needs a tetanus shot at least once every 10 years. Persons who have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years and have a dirty cut or wound will generally be given one. Diphtheria is an infection of the throat that can damage the heart or lungs. Like the tetanus shot, all persons need a diphtheria shot once every 10 years.
